Case Study: Successful Application of ALLSEIS-1C Nodes

Mar 06, 2025

Allseis Node Equipment is designed to provide high-resolution seismic data with minimal environmental impact. Its compact design and advanced technology make it a preferred choice for seismic surveys in challenging terrains.

Case Study 1: Arctic Region 3D Exploration Project

Project Overview:

This project was conducted in a remote Arctic region characterized by extreme winter temperatures below -50°C, heavy snowfall (exceeding 1.5 meters), and dense forest cover. The goal was to acquire high-resolution seismic data for hydrocarbon exploration while overcoming the logistical and operational challenges posed by one of Earth’s harshest environments.

Challenges:

  • Extreme Cold: Equipment reliability risks due to prolonged exposure to sub -50°C temperatures.
  • Deep Snow Burial: Nodes needed to operate reliably under 1.5 meters of snow.
  • Limited Accessibility: Remote location with short daylight hours and challenging terrain.
  • Efficiency Constraints: Traditional cabled systems were impractical due to setup complexity and maintenance demands.

Solution:

A total of 18,000 ALLSEIS nodes were deployed, supported by 13 charging racks, 2 high-speed download racks, and a centralized data management server. Key technical adaptations included:

  • Ultra-Low Temperature Optimization: Nodes featured lithium-ion batteries engineered for >20 days of continuous operation at -55°C.
  • Snow-Resistant Design: Ruggedized IP68-rated enclosures ensured functionality even when buried under deep snow.
  • Automated QC Systems: A lean field crew of 30 personnel utilized handheld tablets for real-time node health monitoring, eliminating manual inspections.

Results:

  • Rapid Deployment: Daily rollout of 1,200–1,500 nodes enabled seamless coverage of 30,000+ receiver points and 27,000+ shot points.
  • Vibrator Efficiency: Four sweeps per shot point (6–96Hz frequency range, 16s sweep length) delivered high signal-to-noise ratios.
  • Reliability Metrics: The nodal system achieved a <0.1% failure rate during deployment, surpassing industry benchmarks. Post-deployment quality checks were deemed unnecessary due to flawless performance.
  • Timeline Reduction: The project concluded in 40 days, a 55% improvement over the original 90-day schedule planned for cabled systems.


Case Study 2: Mountainous Terrain 3D Exploration Project

Project Overview:

This project targeted a rugged mountainous region with elevation differences exceeding 400 meters, loose soil, and steep slopes. The objective was to map complex subsurface structures for resource exploration while minimizing environmental disruption and maximizing operational efficiency.

Challenges:

  • Topographical Complexity: Steep inclines and unstable terrain hindered equipment transport and node stability.
  • Large-Scale Operations: Coverage of 300+ km² with 47,000+ receiver points and 21,000+ shot points.
  • Tight Deadlines: Accelerated timelines demanded rapid deployment and QC workflows.

Solution:

  • A hybrid strategy combining high-density nodal deployment with UAV-driven quality control was implemented:
  • Optimized Node Layout: A 30L×2S×120T observation system ensured full coverage of 200+ km².
  • Aerial QC Patrols: Industrial-grade UAVs flew at 120m altitude (10m/s speed), inspecting 500+ nodes per 30-minute flight. Each UAV completed 4–6 daily sorties, covering 20km routes and auditing 2,000–3,000 nodes/day.
  • Scalable Charging Infrastructure: 32-slot charging racks supported simultaneous recharging of 800 nodes, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

Deployment and Results:

  • Accelerated Timeline: Completed in 21 days (vs. a 30-day plan), averaging 1,066 shots/day (peaking at 1,846 shots/day).
  • QC Efficiency: UAV patrols achieved a 99.65% data recovery rate, with node layout failures below 0.3%.
  • Labor Optimization: A 65-person crew managed node deployment and retrieval using real-time status monitoring tools (battery life, tilt, noise levels).


Key Outcomes:

  • Environmental Stewardship: Reduced ground disturbance by 60% compared to traditional cable-based methods.
  • Cost Efficiency: UAV-based QC slashed labor costs by 40%.
  • Subsurface Insights: High-resolution data revealed previously undetected fault systems, optimizing drilling targets.